ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has confirmed that the ceasefire between Pakistan and India remains active, with military officials from both sides staying in regular contact to ease tensions.
Speaking on national media, Dar revealed that the directors general of military operations (DGMOs) held discussions on May 10, 12, and 14, with another round expected on May 18. He expressed confidence that further talks would take place as planned.
Dar also addressed India’s recent military strikes, stating that New Delhi had not formally informed Islamabad beforehand. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar had earlier claimed that India had clearly warned Pakistan the strikes would only target “terrorist infrastructure” and not military sites.
Dar dismissed India’s allegations about Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam attack as baseless, pointing out that no evidence had been provided. He also denied India’s claim of shooting down a Pakistani F-16, insisting none were even in the air at the time.
“Our brave armed forces gave a measured and brutal response to India both in the air and on the ground, for which we are humbly thankful to Allah Almighty”, Dar said. He recalled how some nations had warned Pakistan to expect an Indian “punch” after Pahalgam, to which Pakistan replied it would “punch back” if provoked.
Despite calls for restraint from the international community, Dar said Pakistan had shown patience until India’s actions on May 9 forced a response. “And they authenticated our claim that we had not targeted any of their military installations. We had committed to the international community that we won’t strike first,” he added.
The Indian army has clarified that the ceasefire agreement has “no expiry date,” countering rumours that the truce was set to end. The DGMOs had initially agreed to halt hostilities for two days on May 10 before extending the pause on May 12.
“As far as the continuation of a break in hostilities, as decided in the DGMOs interaction of May 12 is concerned, there is no expiry date to it,” the Indian Army stated.
